Norma J. Saltsman, 84, of Oakridge, Oregon, formerly of Freedom Twp., entered Heaven on November 19, 2022 after a year of setbacks from a bad fall and broken hip. She was born Sept. 23, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Leland E. and Florence P. Gary. Her siblings were, Charles Leland, Beverly Eileen and Janet Ruth.
Norma attended Braceville High School with aspirations to become either a nurse or a seamstress but chose to stay home to raise her family instead. When her kids were little, Norma made Christmas a special time of year filled with anticipation and excitement. Her wonderful – even magical – touch will be remembered with great fondness. She also served some of their elementary school years as a room mother.
Norma worked briefly at Carlon, Polson Rubber and Lawsons but most loved the work she did when she teamed up with the late Emery Marks to help pass a school levy. She was a member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy since October 1989, and, before leaving Ohio, she spent time hiking around and touring the Blue Ridge Parkway. She also enjoyed crocheting, feeding the birds, and reading her Bible. Norma was also a prayer warrior evidenced by lists found in her Bible.
Norma is survived by children: Theresa (Don), Robin (Skeeter), Mike, Linda, and five grandchildren: Kyle, Forrest, Dustin, Madolyn, and Jensen.
She was preceded in death by husband, Robert D. (July 1987) whom she married May 15, 1957, son, Jack, (August 2013) sister, Janet (1969) and beloved pets, Amber, Strawnyy and Queenie.
Per her wishes, cremation has taken place and a small graveside service will be held in Drakesburg with Don Reed officiating.
